Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
The number of deaths keep increasing ever since the M23 rebels continued their advancement in the Eastern region of the country with the latest being 22 people who have lost their lives fleeing their menace, after their boat capsized. Africa News reports that, the boat set off from Vitshumbi on the lake’s southern bank and was heading for Virunga National Park on the northern shore when it sank on Wednesday evening. While eight people made it out alive, the cause of the disaster is yet to be determined by authorities.
The majority of the victims were people desperately escaping the growing violence caused by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis, pushing civilians into hazardous and often fatal escape attempts. Since March last year, ferry services on Lake Edward have been banned, forcing people to rely on unsafe, illegal boat operations. This has led to an increasing number of capsizing incidents, with hundreds already dead or missing in similar tragedies this year.
The M23, one of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control of eastern Congo’s mineral-rich territories, is backed by an estimated 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to U.N. experts. The rebels have continued their aggressive push across the region, seizing key locations, including Bukavu, a provincial capital near Burundi. The strategic area is known for its deposits of gold and coltan, a vital mineral used in electronics manufacturing.
Unlike their brief occupation of Goma in 2012, analysts believe M23 is now aiming for sustained political control. The rebel-appointed mayor of Goma has already announced plans for a population census, signaling their intent to govern the city. Meanwhile, ferry services between Goma and Bukavu have resumed, providing the only viable travel option between the two cities amid the escalating violence.
The increasing unrest in this part of Congo is deeply alarming. All manner of atrocities are being committed, rendering the region unsafe and forcing residents to flee in search of security. The international community must act swiftly to resolve this crisis and prevent further loss of innocent lives. The ongoing humanitarian disaster emphasises the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and sustained peace efforts to restore stability in eastern Congo.
